Best Travel Destinations 2026: Where to Next?

Tbilisi, Georgia, bursts with an energy that feels both ancient and contemporary. This capital city surprises visitors with its dramatic blend of crumbling Soviet architecture, colorful Art Nouveau balconies, and cutting-edge wine bars pouring natural Georgian wines that predate European winemaking by millennia. Walk through the Old Town’s winding lanes, make a stop at the city’s cathedral, and make sure you set aside some time to enjoy a bathhouse, where you can relax beneath ornate Persian-style domes. And make sure you visit Metekhi Church, which overlooks the Mtkvari River.

Georgia invented wine 8,000 years ago, and Tbilisi's wine scene is having a renaissance. Visit family-run cellars where winemakers still ferment grapes in massive clay vessels called qvevri, which are buried underground. The ancient Georgian traditional quevri wine-making method has been added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This wine is very unique, and is a must-taste in 2026. And the country’s food matches the wine's intensity: khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (soup dumplings), and dishes layered with walnut sauces and fresh herbs make every meal memorable. Beyond the city, day trips to ancient cave towns like Uplistsikhe make it clear why Georgia ranks among the best travel destinations 2026.

Egypt never goes out of style, but 2026 brings fresh reasons to visit the city of Cairo. Egypt has invested heavily in its impressive new museum that makes exploring ancient wonders more accessible and intriguing than ever. The Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo opened in late 2025 with an impressive opening ceremony. This $1 billion project stands as the world's largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, displaying over 50,000 artifacts. And more than 20,000 pieces are being shown to the public for the first time ever, including the complete King Tutankhamun collection displayed together in its entirety since the tomb's discovery in 1922.

And let’s not forget about the pyramids. The museum sits just around the corner from Cairo’s pyramids of Giza. Give yourself some time to stand before the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the three pyramids of Giza. Let yourself take in the 4,500 years of history radiating from its massive limestone blocks. Visit early morning to beat the crowds and the heat, or time your visit for sunset, when golden light transforms the ancient stones into something magical.

Stay right around the corner from all the hotspots at the Barceló Cairo Pyramids. With all there is going on in Cairo, Egypt is, without a doubt, one of the best African countries to visit in 2026. 

While Phuket remains Thailand's most famous island, the smartest travelers are hopping a five-minute boat ride from Phuket’s shores to Coconut Island, a tiny escape floating in Phang Nga Bay. This intimate island spans just 2.5 kilometers long by 1.5 kilometers wide, and is home to only around 500 residents. Here, coconut palms sway over white sand beaches, and mangrove forests hide long-tailed macaques in their branches. Unlike Phuket's buzzing nightlife and packed beaches, Coconut Island delivers pure tranquility.

The Barceló Coconut Island makes this hideaway accessible without sacrificing luxury. Private pool villas and Jacuzzi suites nestle into tropical gardens overlooking the bay, while the resort's all-inclusive package covers Thai cuisine, water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, and complimentary 24-hour water taxi service to mainland Phuket. 

Beyond the resort, Phang Nga Bay beckons with some of Thailand's most dramatic scenery. Day trips from Coconut Island take you to the famous James Bond Island, where the iconic needle-shaped limestone karst from the film The Man with the Golden Gun rises from the surrounding emerald waters. Another option is visiting Koh Panyi, a fascinating Muslim fishing village built entirely on stilts over the water. 

Abu Dhabi proves that luxury destinations can balance futuristic vision with deep cultural roots. The UAE capital city dazzles with architectural marvels like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where white marble columns and intricate Islamic geometric patterns create one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Museum lovers have to check out the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which brings world-class art to the Arabian Gulf, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which is set to open its doors in 2026.

After spending time at the museums, go for a stroll on the 8-kilometer long corniche waterfront promenade, and then skip over to Yas Island to visit the Ferrari World theme park or go for a round of golf on its impressive courses. There’s something for everyone here, even for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

With year-round sunshine, world-class hotels, and seamless infrastructure, the UAE ranks among the top destinations in the world for those seeking exotic travel destinations with serious style.

For fans of impressive beaches and a wide array of wildlife, Costa Rica is one of the most exotic places to travel in 2026. As one of the most biodiverse places on the Earth, anyone who adds this as one of their bucket list places to visit is in for a treat. Did you know it’s one of eight whale heritage sites in the world? You heard that right, humpback whales from both hemispheres call Costa Rica home. 

But that’s not all. It’s also made up of lush rainforests and natural beaches where you’ll encounter a rich array of flora and fauna. To enjoy this country’s landscape at its finest, head to Guanacaste Province and stay at hotel Occidental Tamarindo. Why? Because it overlooks the impressive Las Baulas Marine National Park. Not only are jaw-dropping beaches and amazing surf guaranteed, but lucky visitors will be able to get a front-row seat to watch baby turtles make their maiden voyage into the Pacific Ocean. 

Mexico's second-largest city deserves far more attention than it receives. Guadalajara gave birth to mariachi music, tequila culture, and charaguada (Mexican rodeo), making it one of the most authentically Mexican cities in the country. The historic center dazzles with colonial architecture surrounding the Plaza de Armas, while the nearby town of Tlaquepaque showcases traditional crafts in galleries and workshops lining pedestrian streets.

Tequila enthusiasts must take a day trip to the town of Tequila itself, where blue agave fields stretch to the horizon and distilleries welcome visitors for tastings and tours. Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site, displays stunning murals by José Clemente Orozco that rival Diego Rivera's best work. As one of the best cities to visit in Mexico, Guadalajara offers cultural richness and great places to stay without the tourist crowds overwhelming other Mexican destinations. And consider coming here during one of Mexico’s festivals, including Day of the Dead or Mexican Independence Day.

The Caribbean's oldest city pulses with an energy that blends colonial history with contemporary Dominican life. Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial became the Americas' first UNESCO World Heritage site, and wandering its cobblestone streets reveal why. The Alcázar de Colón, once home to Christopher Columbus's son, now houses a museum showcasing colonial life, while the Catedral Primada de América stands as the oldest cathedral in the New World.

Beyond history, Santo Domingo thrives as a modern capital where locals dance merengue and bachata in open-air clubs, restaurants serve innovative takes on traditional mangu and mofongo, and the Malecón waterfront promenade buzzes with life until late. The city makes an excellent base for exploring the Dominican Republic's beaches, with Punta Cana just two hours away. For those seeking Caribbean islands to visit with substance beyond beaches, Santo Domingo delivers great hotels, culture, nightlife, and authentic Dominican experiences that make it one of the top Caribbean destinations.

While beach lovers flock to Spain's coasts, the province of Huesca in Northern Spain offers a completely different experience for nature lovers, and one of this year’s best travel destinations. Huesca’s Pyrenees deliver year-round adventures. Winter brings world-class skiing with après-ski culture rivaling the Alps. Spring and summer transform the landscape into a hiker's paradise, with sections of the Camino de Santiago winding through valleys dotted with Romanesque churches, plus plenty of other gorgeous trails in Ordesa National Park.

A must-stop town in Huesca is Canfranc, home to the most beautiful train station in all of Spain. Canfranc Station has been transformed into a luxury hotel, which has breathed new life into this once-forgotten mountain village. The Canfranc Estación, A Royal Hideaway Hotel sits inside the stunning Art Nouveau railway station, which was built in 1928. This building that witnessed decades of intrigue as spies, refugees, and smugglers crossed between France and Spain during WWII. Today, surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks and pine forests, this architectural masterpiece feels both cinematic and delightfully surreal. Foodies absolutely must reserve a table inside the hotel’s luxury train carriage, which offers delectable Michelin-star cuisine.

Get ready to enjoy a sunny getaway full of Atlantic charm. Lisbon and Porto have had their moment in previous years, but this year, it's all about Faro. The capital city of the Algarve shines for its art galleries, breathtaking old town, and nearby picture-postcard beaches. This is one of the best European cities to visit in 2026. Surprising sites to visit include the Chapel of Bones, the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, and the cathedral.

Faro provides the perfect base for exploring the Algarve's striking shoreline, where golden cliffs surround secluded coves and traditional fishing villages preserve their character. Close by, the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected lagoon network, draws birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts with its rich ecosystem. Local menus focus on fresh seafood, and prices stay refreshingly affordable compared with many other European cities. Thanks to near year-round sunshine and convenient connections from across Europe, Faro stands out as one of the best beach destinations on this list.

While Marrakesh draws the crowds, Fez preserves Morocco's medieval soul. The ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, remains the world's largest car-free urban area, where donkeys still deliver goods through narrow lanes that haven’t changed in centuries. Getting lost here isn't just likely, it's essential to experience the city. Stumble upon leather tanneries where hides are dyed in rainbow-colored vats using methods from the 11th century and watch master craftsmen practice trades passed down through generations.

On your walk around town, make sure you stop by Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 AD. It holds the title of the world's oldest continuously operating university. Architecture buffs have to stop by the Bou Inania Madrasa, which showcases Islamic architecture at its finest.

Unlike tourist-focused Marrakesh, Fez maintains its role as Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital, where local life continues as it has for centuries. The food here rivals anywhere in Morocco, from steaming bowls of harira soup to perfectly spiced tagines. For travelers seeking exotic holiday destinations with genuine authenticity, staying in Fez is one of the most unique places to visit in the world.

These best travel destinations span continents and experiences, but they share something essential: the ability to surprise, inspire, and connect you with places that feel vital and alive.

Barceló Hotel Group positions you perfectly to discover many of these top holiday destinations, with properties across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond. So where will 2026 take you? The world is waiting, and these beautiful places to visit are ready to write their stories with yours.